Last night saw the premiere of ALÓ, a 40 minute dance-theater work by ShaLeigh Comerford in collaboration with the dancers of ShaLeigh Dance Works, as the first season of locally-made dance put together by Durham Independent Dance Artists continues. Along with the excited buzz that always precedes the first appearance of any art work, there was a warm, happy, community feeling in the room, with many of the DIDA artists present, along with generous supporters like Bepi Pinner and Boleyn Willis-Zeger, whose Ninth Street Dance and Legacy Studios, respectively, are so important to Durham’s burgeoning dance scene.

ALÓ will repeat tonight at 8 pm in the ballroom of the Reality Center, corner of Lamond and Gregson. Very unusually, this is a pay-what-you-will performance. Having enjoyed the dance last night, I can tell you it is worth a donation. Strong concept, some memorable images, lots of lovely dancing.